Matamata

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Matamata Regional Information

Matamata is a rural town in the Waikato region, nestled at the base of the Kaimai Ranges, 60 kilometres northeast of Hamilton. It has earned a reputation nationally for its expertise in dairy farming and the breeding thoroughbred horses.

Since the worldwide fame of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film trilogy, the township has been branded 'Hobbiton,' as it was here that the fictional hobbit village scenes were filmed. You can visit the remnants of Hobbiton on picturesque private farmland. The site remains popular with visitors from New Zealand and around the world.

From this rural base, visitors can explore a range of tramping and walking tracks, golf courses and local cafes. Other attractions include historic Firth Tower and the Opal Hot Springs. Built in 1882, Firth Tower was a symbol of status and power for Josiah Firth, who built the tower on land given to him by the Maori chief Wiremu Tamihana. Today, the tower museum is filled with relics from Maori and pioneer communities. The Opal Hot Springs lie just north of Firth Tower and offer a private outdoor hot pool experience, along with holiday park accommodation.

North of Matamata are the Wairere Falls, accessible via a walking track which traverses a beautiful and diverse range of scenic environments. The falls themselves drop from a height of 153 metres into a bush setting, featuring native trees and ferns.

Navigate with our great Matamata map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Waikato weather.

For further information on Matamata, visit Tourism Waikato.